{"id":25934,"date":"2026-03-21T16:30:46","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T14:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=25934"},"modified":"2026-03-21T16:30:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T14:30:46","slug":"messis-trophy-drought-finalissima-called-off-47th-title-out-of-reach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/messis-trophy-drought-finalissima-called-off-47th-title-out-of-reach\/","title":{"rendered":"Messi’s Trophy Drought: Finalissima Called Off, 47th Title Out of Reach"},"content":{"rendered":"
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UEFA has announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated Finalissima, which was to feature the Argentina national football team taking on the Spain national football team.<\/p>\n

This match was meant to showcase the champion of the Copa Am\u00e9rica against the UEFA European Championship winner and was set to take place on March 26 in Qatar. However, Softfootball confirmed that the fixture was called off due to the ongoing political instability in the Middle East.<\/p>\n

Fabrizio Romano indicated via his x account<\/a> that all players from both squads were available for the match, including Lionel Messi.<\/p>\n

Romano stated:<\/p>\n

There was availability from all the players from Spain and Argentina to proceed with La Finalissima, including Lionel Messi. Messi had the chance to win his 47th official team trophy, another one with Argentina\u2026 opportunity missed, now next chance will be the World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"La
La Finalissima between Argentina and Spain has been cancelled (photo credit: Fabrizio Romano via x)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In another development, former FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hern\u00e1ndez claimed that club president Joan Laporta hindered a potential return for Messi to Barcelona three years ago. Xavi mentioned that an agreement had been reached for Messi\u2019s return to Camp Nou following Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory before it was ultimately halted.<\/p>\n

For Messi, the chance to secure his 47th official team trophy has been deferred, with his next potential opportunity likely at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n

UEFA reportedly considered other options to ensure the match would proceed, including hosting it at Santiago Bernab\u00e9u Stadium or organizing a two-leg tie in both Madrid and Buenos Aires. However, the Argentine Football Association rejected these alternatives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n